New Year, New You? Was there really anything wrong with the old you?

If you have spent any time on social media, browsing the internet, watching TV or looking at literally any kind of media whatsoever over the past week you will probably have noticed a rise in content trying to convince you that you need to be a different person in 2022.

These messages may be in the form of weight loss ads, “inspirational” posts from health gurus with massive grins or overly shared motivational quotes telling you that if you think positive every minute of every day you are sure to be a multi-millionaire by this time next year and it’s your negative attitude that is keeping you from reaching that actually really simple goal!!! Ok, so I may have over-exaggerated that last one but I’m sure you will know exactly the type of things I’m referring to.

 What I really dislike about this time of year, apart from the fact that the alarm clock is back to going off every morning (rude!), is the whole “New Year, New You!” narrative. I think you’ll agree that January is depressing enough without constant reminders that society (and Instagram) thinks you should be better, shinier, happier or slimmer. But here’s the thing…..

 There is absolutely nothing wrong with who you were in 2021 and you don’t have to make drastic changes just because we have entered a new year.

 Now, this isn’t to say that if you have genuinely recognised areas where perhaps you do feel a change is needed that you shouldn’t go ahead and get started on making those changes (although if you have decided that you would like to work on your health in any way please be sure to work alongside a professional who can help you with a manageable plan rather than buy into every diet, weight loss shake or ridiculous exercise regime “guaranteed” to give you results in 10 minutes!!). I’m not saying there is anything wrong with self-development if approached in a way that truly benefits you and is achievable, just that the “New Year, New You” messages are designed to make you feel rubbish about who you were not even two weeks ago.  And I’m willing to bet that who you were in December was kind, caring, funny and interesting so please don’t buy into the toxic positivity that this time of year tends to churn up. Let’s stick with attainable, realistic positivity when we feel able but remember, if you have a day where you aren’t feeling quite so positive, that’s ok too.  Bad moods, feeling low or just having days where you can’t muster up the energy or enthusiasm to be cheerful is normal. You’re human, not an Instagram filter.

 By all means make the changes you feel are necessary for your mental and physical health but remember, you don’t have to wait until January 1st to get the ball rolling on that, otherwise, carry on being the wonderful individual you were back on December 31st!

 Happy New Year.